Post #8: Last Progress Post

De Bono writes, “In general, interruption is not something to be encouraged. There may, however, be occasions where interruption is useful and even necessary” (p. 193). A conversation is a dialogue and an interaction. It is important that people get a turn in conversation and give other people a chance to talk. Many interruptions are ego-driven. Other interruptions, such as offering examples, new perceptions, and values, amplify the conversations and are often considered less irritating. They should be kept brief though. In addition to amplifying interruptions, challenge interruptions, such as errors in logic and misinformation, are often justified and important. You have three choices for interrupting or not:

Wait until it is your turn to speak

Interrupt right away and say it

Interrupt at the right point and state you will elaborate later.

Interruptions may also happen to express doubt.

Task:

Recall a time that the conversation between you and your mentor was interrupted by one of you. Why was the conversation interrupted? Was it justified? Explain why or why not.

Topic 17: Attitude

There are many different attitudes that people can bring to a conversation: boredom, bullying, superiority, arrogance, righteousness, dumbness, eager helplessness, triumph of reason over emotion, agreement with the most powerful, innovator and negative enthusiasm.

The battle attitude is demonstrated where participants only see their points of view, trying to win a conversation. During an ego power game one person tries to get others on board to exercise ego power, trying to dominate the conversation. A person with a learner attitude, on the other hand, tries to learn something during the conversation. A person with an explorer attitude wants to explore different ideas, topics and concepts, mostly interested in the truth. A person with a constructive attitude wants to do something, going beyond mere reflection. A person with a fun attitude wants to enjoy the conversation. Lastly, a person with the “who cares” attitude focuses on the interaction between people not necessarily what was said.

Task:

Describe some example of the different attitudes that have been part of your conversations. Describe at least two examples.